Temples where deities are offered alcohol to the places of worship where there are no idols; you imagine it, and India has it. Mysterious temples in India are endless because of the various mythologies that play a significant role in culture here.
The essence of secretive chapters of yesterday always intrigue hodophiles! Hence, this guide is specifically created to help explore the stimulating facts and experience goosebumps just while you read. With hotels, it becomes super easy to plan a trip and escape into the quaint world of hidden treasures.
14 mysterious temples in India are –
1. Meenakshi Temple, Madurai
Imagine if there were secret pathways below the tall temples that stand as an epitome of grace and glory today. One of the mysterious temples in India, Meenakshi temple is known for its unique architecture and interiors. As per the legend, Goddess had 3 breasts, and 1 vanished when she found Lord Sundareswarar.
Additionally, the floor here sounds hollow if you put your ears on. But if you tap on any lotus rocks, it’s not hollow! What’s beyond it remains an unsolved mystery to date. Moreover, the painting is unique, with a visual of a rotating lingam that looks the same from all angles. If this interests you, book hotels in Madurai and experience the magical vibes.
2. Kamakhya Devi Temple, Assam
Nestled in the beautiful state of Assam, Kamakhya Devi Temple is one of the most mysterious temples in India. Did you know Guwahati hosts one of the massive festivals at this temple? The Ambubachi Mela is a great festival that celebrates the menstruating days of the Goddess.
It is believed that the river here turns red, and the temple remains closed during these days. It is best to book hotels in Guwahati for the big celebration. As per the legend, various tantric practices and powers can be achieved from here. However, who knows if that’s real?! Go and find out as you seek blessings of feminine power.
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3. Mehandipur Balaji Temple, Rajasthan
We are talking about ghosts, spirits and everything in the third world. Mehandipur Balaji Temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, Lord Pret Raj and Lord Bhairav. As per Hindu mythology, these deities are primarily associated with the removal of evil spirits from humans. Exorcism, which means the removal of evil, is performed here. You can literally watch humans being tied to chains or being beaten with rods; that’s literally common here!
What’s interesting? There are many rules you have to follow here! You cannot talk to anyone in the temple or even accept Prasad. You never know if that’s a human or an evil spirit offering that to you. Also, do not see behind as you leave the temple. One of the most mysterious temples in India lets you experience the other side of the world like no other place! Book hotels in Rajasthan, and do not forget to visit this place of worship.
4. Veerabhadra Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Architectural wonders in India are not strange to travellers, but what when it defies science? Being in the list of mysterious temples in India, Lepakshi or Veerabhadra Temple is famous among travellers who are stunned by the hanging pillar here. The structure has exactly 70 pillars; however, only 69 pillars are properly attached to the ground.
While this is a famous attraction in Veerabhadra Temple, what’s another mystery here? The temple has a marriage hall where you can spot red blotches. As per the legend, it is believed that it is the blood of Virupanna who stole wealth to complete the construction of the temple in the absence of the king. He punished himself, and that’s how the marriage hall remains incomplete. Take this chance and book hotels in Andhra Pradesh for a budget-friendly stay.
5. Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple, Kerala
Isn’t it thrilling to know that one deity is worshipped in so many places with different mythologies? Kodungallur Sree Kurumba Bhagavathy Temple in Kerala holds immense significance being the place of worship for devotees of Lord Shiva and Goddess Kali. Firstly, no one is practically aware of the construction details of this temple. Booking hotels in Kerala is sure to help you explore these secrets to the fullest form.
Secondly, it is the only temple in India where Lord Shankar (Shiv) is seen without the sacred animal called Nandi. You might be astonished to know that the temple has a secret vault which doesn’t have any window or a door. The underground chamber is believed to be the power here. The vault is never opened as it is believed to bring traumatic situations. But who knows what’s there? Another world, a secret pathway or the way to heaven?
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6. Stambeshwar Mahadev, Gujarat
Some studies claim that Lord Shiva is a form of atomic energy that may blast if not cooled down. Now, that can be one of the reasons why most of the Shiva temples are located in colder regions and why the Shiva Lingas are offered water and milk every day. One of the mysterious temples in India offers the coolness of water by disappearing on the shore.
Stambeshwar Mahadev, known as the disappearing temple of India, is best known for its mystery. During the high tide, the temple submerged in the water and reappears with the low tide. However, the construction of the temple remains the same along with the Shiva Linga. What’s the exact reason behind this remains unknown. So, book pocket-friendly hotels in Gujarat and find out.
7. Nidhivan Temple, Uttar Pradesh
What if I tell you that Lord Krishna visits a place every evening to spend time with his beloved Goddess Radha? Nidhivan Temple is one such mystical place of worship where you are not allowed to walk after 7 Pm. Even the monkeys and birds are not found in the temple complex. What’s surprising is how all trees are of the same height intertwined with each other. Legend says that these trees are gopis and the intertwining shows their love.
To support this, you shall notice how these lush green trees are free of nests or insects. Strange, right? Moreover, the priests here decorate the Rang Mahal with bangles, sarees, sweets, paan and some more elements for the Rasleela of Radha-Krishna. Due to its holiness, if any human watches it, he/she turns deaf, insane or dies. It is ideal to book hotels in Uttar Pradesh and come back after seeking blessings.
8. Padmanabhaswamy Temple, Kerala
All that glitters is not gold. However, for Padmanabhaswamy temple, all that glitters is more than just gold! The wealthiest temple in India attracts travellers from all walks of life to seek blessings and uncover the secrets. Basically, the temple has 6 vaults, and 5 have already been opened by meticulous hard work. In 2011, the opening of vaults resulted in chaos with gold coins, heavy gold chains, diamonds and a 4-foot high gold statue of Lord Vishnu.
Who owns them, and where did they actually belong? The mystery remains unsolved, so we can say that these were either donations or secret chambers created to store wealth. The opening of the last vault failed, and it is believed that it is guarded by venomous snakes. Opening it would result in massive troubles in the world. Do you believe so? Maybe what remains there belongs there!
9. Bullet Baba’s Temple, Rajasthan
Deities are worshipped throughout the country but have you ever seen people worshipping a motorcycle? Om Banna Temple or Bullet Bata Temple stands as a mystery on the Jodhpur highway. A young man named Om Singh Rathod was travelling on his Royal Enfield when he met with an accident and lost his life.
Even when police officers took the bike for several investigations, it was always found at the accident spot. After this, the locals built a temple, understanding that Om Banna’s spirit protects the travellers here. So, book hotels in Jodhpur and offer your prayers to seek blessings and safety.
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10. Venkateswara Temple, Andhra Pradesh
Popularly known as Tirupati Balaji Temple, it is a place of grandeur, beauty and unknown secrets! Agreed that there are certain powers, but it is mesmerizing when you find so many of them in just one deity. The statue of Lord Balaji in Venkateswara temple is extremely warm, and the priests have to rub off their sweat with a silk cloth.
Apart from this, the back of the idol remains moist no matter the number of efforts made to keep it dry. It defies many laws of science as the statue remains intact even with the strongest chemical reactions. You must know that some lamps have been lit here since age-old times and remain to be lit till now. As a matter of fact, devotees donate their hair to the lord to seek his blessings.
11. Muthappan Temple, Kerala
When in Kerala, you have to check one of the mysterious temples in India where dogs are considered sacred. Located in the small village, this Muthappan temple is dedicated to Valiya Mutthapan and Cheriya Mutthapan. They are considered to be forms of Lord Vishnu and Lord Shiva. Unlike other temples that follow Satvik eating, fish and toddy are offered here.
You are sure to be shocked to know that the temple does not follow the typical traditions and dogs are allowed to be here! Devotees never go hungry as Lord Mutthapan makes sure to feed them and answer their queries of life. Many legends are associated with this temple, and it is best to hear them from the locals.
12. Kal Bhairav Nath Temple, Varanasi
The divinity of Kal Bhairav Mandir in Varanasi is known to many devotees across the world. The lord is known as the Kotwal (Chief Police Officer) of Kashi. The temple is located near the police station, and guess what? The head chair at the police station adores the frame of Kal Bhairav, and the main inspector sits on another chair. It is believed that no officer has ever sat on that chair.
Moreover, Lord Kal Bhairav is believed to take problems and inform the locals about them. Whenever a natural calamity or an adversity is expected, any part of the Lord’s statue falls on the ground. No one knows the reason behind such happenings and the synchronization of events with it. One of the mysterious temples in India invites you to book hotels in Varanasi and seek blessings from the lord.
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13. Jwala Ji Temple, Himachal Pradesh
As the name suggests, Jwala Ji Temple is dedicated to Goddess Jwala. It is believed that Sati’s tongue fell here, indicating immense power. Also, you do not really have any idol or statue to worship. These eternal flames attract tourists from all over the world to explore the mystery of continuous burning.
You can witness many flames originating from the blue colour through the rocks here. Some scientists claim that there is a volcano beneath these flames. Even a company tried to find sources of natural gas beneath but could not find anything! Make sure to book hotels in Himachal Pradesh near the temple for a comfortable stay.
14. Jagannath Temple, Odisha
One of the Char Dham sites of India, Jagannath Temple is an absolute wonder defying nature and science. Dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the temple is characterized by the top where Sudarshan Chakra is placed. It remains an architectural mystery with reference to placement of an element weighing a ton. You might be shocked, but the temple does not cast any shadow.
What’s interesting is the sound of sea waves which is clearly audible outside the temple, but as soon as you step in, the sound disappears. Moreover, the flag at the top is changed every day and the temple is bound to remain closed for 18 years in case it is not changed. It is a no-fly zone because birds do not flock over the temple, only Lord Jagannath knows why! So, check hotels in Puri and go for an exciting journey.
Mysterious temples in India put you into deep thoughts where physics and chemistry do not work. Who knows if these mysteries are real, created by supernatural powers or man-made stories? Probably, that’s the thing about them!